In a significant development concerning child sex trafficking, a Las Vegas resident has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. James Allen Wynhoff, aged 41, pleaded guilty to attempted child sex trafficking and possession of child sexual abuse material. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II, who also imposed 20 years of supervised release. In addition to the prison term, Wynhoff is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The case, investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. This article provides a summary of the case and highlights the joint efforts to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in child exploitation.
Summary
A Las Vegas resident, James Allen Wynhoff, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted child sex trafficking and possession of child sexual abuse material. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II handed down the sentence, which includes 20 years of supervised release. Wynhoff pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2022. As part of his sentence, he is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The case was brought under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Background
Child sex trafficking and possession of child sexual abuse material are serious offenses that have devastating impacts on the victims involved. The exploitation and abuse of children is a pressing issue that requires a robust response from law enforcement agencies and the justice system. It is important to hold individuals accountable for their actions and take measures to prevent the recurrence of such crimes.
Incident Details
Sentencing
James Allen Wynhoff, a 41-year-old resident of Las Vegas, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II. In addition to the prison term, Wynhoff will be subject to 20 years of supervised release. This sentencing reflects the severity of his crimes and serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar activities.
Charges
Wynhoff pleaded guilty to attempted child sex trafficking and possession of child sexual abuse material. These charges are indicative of his involvement in the exploitation of children and the possession of illegal and harmful content. By entering a guilty plea, Wynhoff acknowledged his participation in these offenses and agreed to face the consequences of his actions.
Child sexual abuse material
Wynhoff admitted to possessing 11 videos of child sexual abuse material, which depicted children as young as toddlers. The possession and distribution of such material perpetuate the exploitation of children and contribute to the demand for these heinous acts. It is crucial to combat the production and dissemination of child pornography to protect the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
Parties Involved
Several individuals and organizations played significant roles in this case:
James Allen Wynhoff
Wynhoff is the defendant in this case and has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his crimes. His guilty plea and subsequent sentencing demonstrate his acknowledged responsibility for the attempted child sex trafficking and possession of child sexual abuse material.
U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II
Judge Boulware presided over the case and handed down the sentence to Wynhoff. His role as a judge ensures that justice is served and that appropriate punishments are assigned to individuals convicted of criminal offenses.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson
U.S. Attorney Frierson represents the District of Nevada and played a key role in prosecuting the case against Wynhoff. Through diligent legal work and effective presentation of evidence, his efforts contributed to the successful outcome of the trial.
Spencer L. Evans – Special Agent in Charge for the FBI
As the Special Agent in Charge for the FBI, Evans oversaw the investigation into Wynhoff’s offenses. His leadership and coordination with other law enforcement agencies were instrumental in bringing the case to a resolution.
Investigation
The investigation into James Allen Wynhoff’s crimes involved collaboration between the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). Working together, these two agencies collected evidence, conducted interviews, and gathered information to build a strong case against Wynhoff. Collaboration between different law enforcement entities enhances the effectiveness of investigations and contributes to successful prosecutions.
Legal Proceedings
Plea guilty
Wynhoff entered a guilty plea in September 2022, acknowledging his involvement in attempted child sex trafficking and possession of child sexual abuse material. This plea marks an admission of guilt and an acceptance of responsibility for the crimes committed.
Sentencing details
U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Wynhoff to 10 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release. This sentencing decision takes into account the severity of the offenses and works to protect society from further harm. By imposing a significant period of supervised release, the court aims to monitor and support Wynhoff’s reintegration into society while ensuring the safety of potential victims.
Sex Offender Registration
As a result of his conviction, James Allen Wynhoff is required to register as a sex offender. The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act mandates that individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses, including child sex trafficking and possession of child sexual abuse material, are registered in a national database. This requirement allows law enforcement agencies to monitor the activities of sex offenders and take appropriate measures to protect the public.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. The program is aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly through the use of the internet. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section lead the initiative, working with federal, state, and local authorities to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in exploiting children. The goals of Project Safe Childhood include rescuing victims, raising awareness, and providing educational resources to prevent future offenses.
Launch date
Project Safe Childhood was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Since then, it has been working tirelessly to combat child sexual exploitation and protect vulnerable children from abuse.
Goals and objectives
Project Safe Childhood has several key objectives:
- Locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children through the internet: The initiative aims to identify and bring to justice individuals involved in the online exploitation of children.
- Rescue victims and provide them with the necessary support: Project Safe Childhood focuses on rescuing victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse while ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to recover and rebuild their lives.
- Raise awareness about the issue of child sexual exploitation: The initiative aims to educate the public about the signs and dangers of child sexual exploitation and abuse, empowering individuals to report suspicious activities and protect vulnerable children.
- Collaborate with federal, state, and local resources: Project Safe Childhood brings together law enforcement agencies, communities, and organizations to pool their resources and effectively respond to cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Contact Information
If you suspect any instances of possible child sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). This hotline serves as a vital resource for reporting suspicious activities and seeking help for victims of child sexual exploitation.
For more information or to report any related concerns, you can contact the District of Nevada U.S. Attorney’s Office. Their contact information is as follows:
- Las Vegas: 702-388-6336
- Reno: 775-784-5438
Related Cases
The case against James Allen Wynhoff is not an isolated incident. Several other individuals have been convicted for similar offenses, highlighting the ongoing issue of child sexual exploitation in the United States. Some related cases include:
- Nye County Resident Sentenced for Distribution and Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material: A resident of Nye County was sentenced to prison for the distribution and receipt of over 250,000 images of child sexual abuse material.
- Las Vegas Felon Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material: A Las Vegas felon was sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison for the possession of child sexual abuse material.
- Reno Man Sentenced for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material: A resident of Reno was sentenced to 10 years in prison for receiving thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
These cases highlight the significance of ongoing efforts to combat child sexual exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals from harm. The legal system, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, plays a crucial role in holding offenders accountable and preventing further abuse.